York Varsity White boasts an offense filled with skilled forwards and strong defensemen – and the core members have won a lot of games at the JV level.

These Dukes are ready to tackle the AHL.

“It’s going to be a journey this year and we are eager to see our team grow with steady competition from day one,” said Brian Finnerty, in his 18th season coaching, his ninth at York. “We are excited about our young guys coming up and they have already shown strong production on both sides of the puck.”

Key players include forwards Drew Pettorelli and Mitch Fafinski, defensemen Daniel Priebe and Joe Galawas.

“Offensively, Drew Pettorelli, Mitch Fafinski and Frank Sanfilippo could have strong years, with Justin Lococo, JT Maffia and Griffin Hayes to bring some strong production as well,” Finnerty said. “Our young guys are very quick and bring a lot of skill, which they have shown so far (this season).

“We have some very good skating defensemen who like to join in the rush and create offense. Team defense is going to be a focus. We expect to be playing in a lot of one-goal games in the AHL and need to have a defense-first mentality. For us to play well offensively, we need to be disciplined defensively.”

York boasts two solid goalies: Alex Pastircak and Peter Kallianis.

York goalie coach Bobby Whistler “has really encouraged them to compete hard and with that, they are continuing to really improve and push each other,” Finnerty said. “Both of them want the net in big games and we expect them to play a big piece of our success this year.”

Finnerty said his team is motivated to show that their second-varsity tag is just that … and yes, they can play with some of the big boys.

“Our goal is to make it to Bensenville (for the sweet 16 round of the Illinois State Tournament),” he said. “Crazy things happen at Bensenville.

“Given our success at the JV level the past couple of years, the quicker we understand that the game changes at the varsity level, both pace of play and physicality, the better we will be.”

Breakout Player: Keep an eye on junior defensemen Charlie Malcolm, who has one of the highest hockey IQs on the team, Finnerty said. “He brings a lot of deception to his game. He’s ready to make a big leap this year and brings an added element of playing varsity lacrosse for the past two years.”